19th May 2026
Plumbing and Electrical Engineering students recently took part in a series of industry-led speed interviews.
The sessions were designed to build confidence, develop employability skills and open doors to potential work placements.
The event brought together employers from across the construction
and building services sector. They included The Hill
Group, Vistry Group, The STC Group, BRIC Training Centre and GHG
Construction, all of whom generously gave their time to
meet students, offer feedback and share insights into what employers look
for when recruiting.
Speed interviews give students the chance to practise speaking about their skills, experience and ambitions in a supportive environment before they enter the real world of work. For many young people, a first interview can feel daunting, so having the opportunity to rehearse, receive constructive feedback and learn how to present themselves professionally is invaluable. Experiences like this are embedded into the College’s courses to ensure students leave not only with the right qualifications, but with the confidence and communication skills employers expect.
During the day, students rotated between employers in short, focused interview sessions, gaining a taste of what a real interview feels like while also learning how to improve their answers, body language and overall presentation. Several employers also discussed potential work placement opportunities, giving students a direct pathway into industry experience.
College staff were equally proud of how the learners rose to the challenge. Nick Sansom said: “Our students did brilliantly today. Interview practice is such an important part of preparing for employment, and you could see their confidence grow with every conversation. We’re grateful to our employer partners for giving our students such a valuable experience.”
Barking & Dagenham College continues to work closely with industry partners to ensure students gain the practical skills, hands‑on experience and professional insight they need to succeed in the workplace. Events like this are a key part of that commitment.
